Bad Control Arm Bushings Will Affect Your Driving

[@sarahuniverse1028]

one mechanic says i have bad ball joints another mechanic says it is the entire control arm. . .so i wanted to educate myself on what all that is, and how it works so i can see for myself what appears to be going on. both want $400 plus dollars for just one side, so its worth a little research in my opinion. thank goodness for transparent mechanics like yourself who put these videos out. very informative, and beautifully laid out video. exactly what i was lookimg for, thank you!

[@russelltewell3031]

Buy the arm yourself the part should cost 100 make sure it already has bushings in the arm and the control arm ball joint installed on pur c hase. and shop around for a mechanic you could get it done for 195$ easy. Those mechanics that charge that much are full of shit it is not even that hard. A good mechanic with the right tools should get it done in less than 2 hours. If your in Sacramento take it to five star auto in Rocklin. Ask for Craig.

[@justfelicia6671]

@@russelltewell3031 thanks for your input, Russell! I'm learning this...BMW wants $1700 and lied saying both my "LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS were "Leaking." ...NO SUCH THING!

[@jeremycook5836]

⁠​⁠@@justfelicia6671 Actually, they probably weren’t lying. Many BMW models have fluid filled rubber bushings, and when they start leaking, they’ve failed and you’ll start wearing through tires faster. I agree that $1700 is awfully steep (they’re probably charging for entire control arms), it’d likely be more cost effective to order the bushings and have an independent shop install them.

[@tperk]

Nice explanation. I took my minivan to a mechanic who said the bushings were blown and the car was un-driveable. That was a stretch. He simply wanted to induce anxiety. I have no problem controlling the car's direction on the road, despite the fact the mechanic said he couldn't even get it into the service bay. I'm going to get it scheduled for the appropriate service, but from a mechanic who isn't promoting panic.

[@tgpartist]

How much does it cost to replace all of the bushings on a 2011 Honda Crv

[@tgpartist]

Where shall we take it for repair, that would do a good job fixing it. Not to cost an arm and a leg.

[@Nightrunnergunner]

Not exactly proud but ive been daily driving with worn bushings in the front for 2 years its deff drivable just more noisy and less comfortable i will be replacing all 8 bushings/arms soon mines are $3300 with labor+parts ☠️

[@justfelicia6671]

@@tgpartist ...AND part of your ASS!

[@jowxyo]

I mean he was kind of right driving with bad bushings is not safe especially on the highway

[@everythingtechnew7400]

What’s scary is this wear is so gradual over time it’s actually quite difficult to tell. My 4 year old car just failed it’s yearly inspection on severely worn rear control arm bushings. Now I know everything makes sense with the steering & ride. I was honestly shocked when my car failed the inspection. Looking back knowing what I know now I would notice the subtle changes in driving & steering control.

[@shyryTsr2k]

Damn, on my 2008 Chevy Equinox my front lower bushings are cracked however nothing too severe. Don't know when they were last replaced however since it was my grandmothers car she didn't do a lot of driving with it when she bought it new back in 08 15 years ago now.

[@jakethesnake4971]

Where do you live to have those inspections?

[@everythingtechnew7400]

@@jakethesnake4971 UK on brand new cars the vehicle is exempt for the first 3 years after which we need a yearly MOT inspection,

[@shyryTsr2k]

I'm in the process of purchasing my vehicle from my grandparents and hoping to drive to Las Vegas soon (a 5-6 hour journey) so took the car in for a 40 point AAA inspection, the mechanics found that my two front lower control arm bushings are cracked and would need to be replaced. Luckily I've been able to steer the car with relatively no issues but it's something I'd need to take care of before going on any long trips. Also since my vehicle is covered by a warranty that covers the cost of parts AND labor I could just take it in and have them replaced for free so I'll just have that done.

[@azlanfa8286]

bro what a great explanation i went to many tyre shop the same issue no one explain like this really good explanation those final words give confident to ur customer

[@fixingcars]

Thanks, glad you liked the video.

[@RWarrior777]

@@fixingcars hello there, can the cl control arm bushing affect the ride, making the driver feel the bumps? Please let me know, thanks

[@rondhole]

Excellent video and explanation. I have similar problem on Sienna 2004 passenger side bushing. It is torn into a half. I bought Beck n Arnley control arm with solid rubber bushing instead of split OEM style, expecting for stiffer and more durable bushing. In 1 year, that new bushing is peeled off in about 1/3 of the perimeter. Damn, that's 4 hour labor for nothing. Next time, gets the OEM original Parts, they last much longer, at least 180k miles in my case.

[@BH-it1kj]

yes, aftermarket bushings installed on my suburban by a 'reputable' car service chain failed after a matter of months. the original ones lasted 175,000 miles or so.

[@revelationsdivine]

now I know why our car rides like a low rider on hydraulics on the road.😳 Bushing needs to be replaced. thank you for your video sir👍

[@thebluewells9548]

Bet that looks pretty sweet

[@thomas9429]

I bushing are starting to show cracks and a tear. I'm not noticing any issues driving it yet. (2009 Highlander the car is amazing. I love it) The mechanic says just replace the entire control arm instead of getting new bushings. What do you think?

[@CALISUPERSPORT]

This was awesome thanks. Just put a new set of Bilsteins on and still have trouble steering and controlling on the freeway and on bumpy roads. Gonna look at those CA bushings.

[@russelltewell3031]

Thank you so much I needed it i was about to have ananxiety attack trying ro wrap my head around it. Having never done it and basic mechanical knowledge

[@BH-it1kj]

nice. a mechanic is replacing these on our suburban today. It is hard to find a decent mechanic that can correctly diagnose suspension issues. There are a lot of really sloppy mechanics out there from what I am finding out. Even at new car dealerships, they can not be fully trusted sadly. The world is changing to where sloppiness and halfway work is acceptable. It is important to discuss expectations with salesmen because they don't always intend on delivering quality service to you.

[@jcstang8952]

I have a 2021 Kia Forte GT and I think it has a soft bushing that's not broken yet. Car only has 400 miles on it. Have you seen new car bushing be bad before? I've seen that on Mustangs before.

Very well done informative video. A question. Since the control arm is in good condition, just replacing the bushings remedied the issue?

[@rasmadrak]

If the metal is unaffected by rust or damages, sure. But on my car a new control arm including bushings is around 20$, making a good incitement to avoid the hassle of replacing the bushings only and change everything anyway. :)

[@Stanleytone-04]

Thanks for educating people on this. The bushings on my Subaru Forester were totally shot, had them replaced and the difference in handling and ride is like night and day. 👍

[@ruddyuddy]

I’m bringing my car to you from London!! On serious note, thanks for this well informative video

[@DONAngeles-w2f]

Hi Sir I have a JEEP COMPASS 07...When I'm driving I can hear crackling Sound on the Rear side of my Jeep...what seems to be the problem.thank u

[@brandychrisp3621]

Would this cause a vibration under load? In corners at slow speed? And when under throttle when i hit low spots in the road?

[@ancientdiscoverys]

That's what I have..did you ever solve it?

[@brandychrisp3621]

No i wish

[@fhowland]

Fantastic video, thank you! Just replaced my struts but my car still feels loose, must be the control arm bushings

[@jakethesnake4971]

It may be tie rods needing replaced. What did it end up being?

[@asan1050]

THANKSMUCH FOR SHARING !

[@gabrielalfaro8153]

this weekend i took a trip out of town and i got tossed into another lane i couldn’t control it i came home to check my suspension sure enough all of of the bushings are blown out

[@faridbakhshian221]

Hi. thanks for the video, just a question. I think Because the bushings are the main connection between the chassis and suspension system, they are under too much load from the weight of the engine and the front of the car. Do you agree with it?

[@Cparker8]

One of my lower control arm bushings is leaking fluid, but I havent noticed any difference in driving, should i replace it or leave it for now?

[@ProShotz762]

Thank you for this great explanation !!

[@robotfighter5381]

Thanks for the info at 2:32 .I wish more had this essential information !

[@kickboxer8173]

thanks Charlie

[@francoisrutayisire9795]

Hi Sir, I gave you subscription because you explained everything well. Thank you so much

[@ramanadass1113]

Thank you, now I understand why I need to keep on controlling the steering wheel

[@abands2491]

Best explanation!

[@justfelicia6671]

Excellent!

[@vickersfanxoxoxo]

My car was wobbling side to side on the freeway. Especially when on a concrete freeway with groves in it lol

[@MaliKdaB3aSt]

did this fix it?

[@vickersfanxoxoxo]

@@MaliKdaB3aSt it sure did. Handles like a brand new car now

[@MaliKdaB3aSt]

@@vickersfanxoxoxo what did you switch bro

[@vickersfanxoxoxo]

@@MaliKdaB3aSt I think the said it was my upper control arm.

[@kingrubio3976]

Good job 👍 thanks

[@erickaj7373]

Great video. Even though I’m in Pennsylvania and not SoCal, lol

[@flavio462]

Thank you

[@shiftautomotive854]

Does vibration to the steering wheel when accelerating a indicator of bad control bushings or driver shaft needs to replace?

[@muhammadzubairnaveed4976]

you're amazing.!!

[@A.A.HadiWhite]

my UCA is brand new, but I suspect the bushing was not greased, I hear squaking and whistling, the car handling is very good, it's just that squeaking everytime I drive over a bump. I order new bushing but it be here between 40 days to 36 days from now, will these brand new bushing last that long without grease??

[@paulrogers00]

When I turn the car at slow speeds like pulling into a parking spot or doing a 3 point turn, I get a stutter or hop but it’s not normal. It feels like the whole front end wobbles left and right for a second. I can’t figure out what it is? I replaced the struts, axles, outer tire rod ends and now I’m looking at the control arms. I checked the tires at 12 and 6 and so on and everything seems right? I wonder if it’s the rear bushing on the control arm or after that maybe the steering rack but the rack is electronic and doesn’t make any noise? Any clue what it might be? Thanks

[@xSubject2Change]

Super informative and helpful. Recently lifted my Forester XT and brought it into my mechanic due to loose steering. Apparently my it seems my bushings are heavily worn... as I replaced my struts recently and definitely had to overcorrect my steering constantly when driving 65+ on the highway.

[@kingsleyzissou5881]

Yo what year? I have an 18 forester, added one inch strut spacer lift and the car immediately felt a little squirrely under acceleration. I recently learned that adding strut spacers causes the control arm to overextend, adding too much stress to the bushings. So I might replace those bushings and switch to height-adjustable coilovers.

[@xSubject2Change]

@@kingsleyzissou5881 It's a 2010 with a 2" lift. It's been fine ever since I replaced the bushings. I believe I messed when i was stuck in a snow bank and tried to over correct it out. I basically felt it pop.

[@JavierBonillaC]

Super clear, thank you…..

[@ghorbanalirazmjou8591]

Thanks 😊

[@FixItRyan]

Would the symptoms be different if the ball joint is bad too?

[@armeddeafboi7276]

The exposure was so high I thought the brightness on my screen was on all the way up

[@rapinncapin123]

This is me I thought it was the ball joints, I didn't even think it was the bushings, wow

[@OvercomeSKILLZ]

So question for you sir, my car swerve left when im driving on the freeway...also if the freeway tends to curve left and i follow it, my car would pull to the left harder than how im actually turning my steering wheel. This all happened after i got 4 brand new tires, aligned and balanced. Never had this problem before. Please i need you knowledge/input on this please.

[@udayaranawaka1235]

Your explain is important for us, thank you

[@skhumbuzokhumalo8905]

Hey do I need a wheel alignment after putting new arm bushings?

[@HomeGrownPyro1]

Yes

[@lexuses3942]

My Es 300 needs back bushings. Just got the word just picked it up from pre inspection. I thought it would be wheel bearings Bc that’s how it felt..can a bad bushing make it seem like a bad wheel bearing? I’m debating weather to replace just the bushings or the entire control arm. And advise would be appreciated

[@lexuses3942]

Well I guess nobody wants to answer you Eric, fml 🤦🏻

[@edwardosborne4467]

Replace the whole thing…rather safe than sorry

[@barrybebenek8691]

In the interest of tracking down sounds over speed bumps, Should I be able to move that big (rear) bearing with a pry bar, while still on the car? As in checking for play? Or should it be very stiff? (This is with a 2009 Chev Cobalt). Thanks. 🇨🇦👍🏼

[@rasmadrak]

It should be very stiff. Basically tyre-rubber stiff.

[@G_G_AutoCareLLC]

If it doesn’t come and see me 😂 👍

[@russelltewell3031]

I just bought new arms. Fuck it. Not worth the trouble. And do the bushings even really come out?

[@G_G_AutoCareLLC]

@@russelltewell3031 did it help the ride

[@russelltewell3031]

@@G_G_AutoCareLLC it did. Currently I have bubbles in the side walls of my tire. About 7 of them how long before the tire blows out. And how long can I drive on a doughnut.

[@jessicadelarosa5555]

My car, once on the freeway has bad bad swaying. The control arm was replaced but it still sways soo bad and it won’t stay straight. Could it be the bushing?

[@Ownz1982]

Allignment

[@TheBrody92]

Try replacing your sway bar bushings, most likely the reason

[@cutitlikeme44]

Wheel bearing that’s what I’m debating wheel bearing or ball joint for my vehicle rn

[@josephfarr2988]

Can worn control arm bushings cause rough braking?

[@fixingcars]

Hello Joseph, yes. Control arms can cause rough braking. Thudding noises while braking. The steering wheel can give bad feedback during braking if control arm bushings are bad. The car can wonder and not hold a straight line during braking if the bushings are bad. All these things can happen because the alignment won't hold because during braking your applying the weight of the car in an opposing direction. This activates the bushings and ball joints. If there is any wear, it will show up during hard braking. Hope this helps. -Niko

[@josephfarr2988]

@@fixingcars Thanks Niko, I've been replacing the rotors more often than not, but it may not even be the rotors? I know I have bad control arm bushings

[@ZSH231]

Thank you!

[@samyvik2888]

how would the control arm bushing wear out?

[@The_Almighty.]

People are evil they can intentionally damage it prematurely it's always good to have cameras in your vehicle or it could be the road conditions

[@rgbsax]

probably also same on Avalon?

[@All-about-everything]

Ya but what manufactures actually make good aftermarket parts anymore ???

[@BiggCracc]

Charlie we can’t come to see you if you’re in a different state

[@MLTPLMGZ2006]

I need control arm bushings. Instead of changing just the bushings, I'm changing everything.

[@davoinshowerhandle3302]

torn bushings bad, meanwhile my car having none left.

[@christophergeorge8800]

EXCELLENT CHARLIE. THANKS. SCOTTY KILMER STATED TO SPRAY ALL YOUR SUSPENSION BUSHINGS WITH AT205 TRANS SEALANT. THIS WILL KEEP THEM FRESH. WELL MY 2012 LINCOLN MKX AWD DOES NO THINK SO. 😕 HAD A CLUNKING NOISE FRONT AND REAR SHORTLY DOING THIS.. WITH 89K ON THE CLOCK REPLACED THE REAR SHOCKS AND FRONT STRUTS, FULLY LOADED WITH MOTORCRAFT UNITS. NOISE STILL THERE. MY SUSPENSION IS TIGHT AND HAPPY 6 MONTHS AGO. COULD THIS AT 205 TRANS SEALER CAUSED THIS? oh I just subscribed to your channel.

[@amanlangove4068]

100 prsnt right

[@pureunion]

That you Russell Crowe?

[@Swess2908]

Getting mine changed right now AHH

[@jpsion]

too many camera movements, can’t see

[@Cheeseyman]

Even the new one looks like shit!